The American Silver Eagle Coin Program

American Silver Eagles are highly regarded by both collectors and investors, and are some of the most attractive bullion coins that you can possibly acquire for your portfolio or coin collection.
The American Eagle Coin Program started in 1986, and has become the authorized bullion silver coin of the United States of America. Put out by the Mint, American Silver Eagles are unique in that the coins may be included by individuals for the funding of their IRA's.
The government mints these coins with one troy ounce of .9999 pure silver. This is one of the small number of bullion coins in the world to be designed with such a large quantity of silver. The bullion coins have a nominal face value of 1 dollar while the true value of every silver eagle is based upon the current spot price of silver.
The unique coins were created and produced with the famous Walking Liberty design by famed sculptor Adolph A Weinman on the obverse. If you've ever seen the unforgettable half dollar coins produced from the years 1916 to 1947, you will undoubtedly be familiar with this lovely rendition of Lady Liberty. This is crucial in that these bullion coins have helped the design featured on the silver eagles to become such an legendary figure. The design that is featured on the coin's reverse was sculpted by John Mercanti, featuring a heraldic eagle with its wings unfolded.
There are countless collectors of Silver American Eagles and each has his or her individual basis for becoming caught up in the hobby. A number of collectors are in love with the coin's dazzling craftsmanship, while others take pleasure in the silver coins for their possible long term worth.
To determine the value of a individual coin, a number of considerations should be taken into account counting factors like the year that the coin is created, as some years they production figures were lower than others, thereby lowering the overall numbers of bullion coin in the hands of the general public. Coins that were minted in 1993 and 1997 or anniversary editions for instance, tend to be among the bullion coin that collectors are searching out, and bring higher interest when sold through coin dealers or at auctions.
Today, American Silver Eagles are enjoying a great surge in popularity, due to the uncertain economic climate. As precious metals tend to make a excellent hedge against falling dollar values, investors are looking for the safety presented by silver and gold bullion products.